Peter Hammill's first solo album since 2014's hugely ambitious ...all that might have been.... represents a return to a more intimate style of music.

The songs on From The Trees are mostly based on single piano, guitar and vocal parts designed for live performance. Consequently the overdubbing is textural (supportive guitars, a central spine of bass, synth and string washes, multiple voices - backing, harmony, choral - behind the main one).

The characters who pave their fretful way through these songs are in general facing up to or edging in towards twilight. What's coming to them are moments of realisation rather than resignation. In the third act of life it's time to look with a clear eye at where one's been, at where one's going.